African American women who are transitioning from relaxed to natural hair have to rethink how they care for their hair. Natural hair requires a gentler touch and far more attention when it comes to moisture. If you are transitioning to natural hair, here are some tips to protect your locks. 

Change Your Shampoo and Conditioner

Moisture is important to your natural hair. When the hair does not have enough, you are more likely to experience breakage and growth can slow. The shampoo and conditioner that you use play a major role in moisture retention. 

If you are using a shampoo with sulfates, find one without. Sulfates tend to strip the hair of oil and moisture. Look for a shampoo that has water listed as the first ingredient. Before shampooing your hair, pre-shampoo it. Use coconut oil to help boost your protein levels and further protect your hair from being stripped of natural oils. 

As with the shampoo, look for a conditioner with water listed as the first ingredient. Deep conditioning your hair is a must after every wash. After applying the conditioner, wrap a towel around your head or use a microwave cap. The heat will help the conditioner penetrate your hair. 

Find a Protective Style

The more you handle your hair, the more damage can occur. For natural hair, you need to focus on manipulating your hair as little as possible. A protective hair style can help you achieve this. 

One protective style that works is wearing hair extensions. Depending on the style, hair chosen, and care of the hair, your style could last for a couple of months or longer. 

Instead of gluing in the extensions, opt for a sew-in on a weaving cap. Your hair can be put into cornrows and the weaving cap placed over it. The cap still allows for your hair to receive the oxygen needed and you can still keep your scalp clean, which is important to hair growth. 

For a longer lasting hair style, opt for human hair over synthetic. Synthetic hair is more susceptible to tangling, which means less time with the style for you. It also means that you cannot wash your hair as needed out of fear for tangling the hair. 

Consult with your hair stylist to identify other ways you can protect your natural hair as it is transitioning. With proper care, your hair can experience the growth desired and retain moisture so that it stays healthy. For more information, contact companies like Adevia SpaSalon.